Over 85% of settlements between CIS countries made in national currencies - Russian permanent representative

MINSK. Dec 17 (Interfax) - The share of using national currencies in mutual settlements in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has exceeded 85%, Russia's Permanent Representative to the CIS Statutory and Other Bodies Andrei Grozov said in Minsk on Tuesday.

"Despite various packages of sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus and the threats of secondary sanctions on other countries in the trade and economic sector, the CIS countries managed to achieve a 4.7% GDP growth. The share of using national currencies in mutual settlements has exceeded 85%," Grozov was quoted by the CIS Executive Committee's press service as saying at a meeting of CIS member states' permanent representatives.

Speaking of the results of Russia's CIS presidency in 2024, Grozov noted the endorsement of the concept of cooperation in the energy sector for the period up to 2035.

Grozov highlighted five statements adopted by the foreign ministers in the area of foreign policy coordination, noting that the format of multi-level consultations between the foreign ministries remains in demand.

As for military and law enforcement cooperation, the development of the Joint (Unified) Communication System of the CIS member states' Armed Forces is under discussion, an effective dialogue has been established in the Council of Heads of Security Agencies and Special Services, a decision on the draft Program of Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Extremism for 2026-2028 has been endorsed, and a Program of Cooperation in Deradicalization has been adopted, Grozov said.